On February 27, former US president Bill Clinton kicked off a whirlwind two-day visit to Taiwan. Although he only stayed 22 hours, his meetings with Chen Shui-bian and Lien Chan drew international attention and sparked a lively debate in Taiwan about national identity, cross-strait relations, and the reconciliation between the government and opposition.
During his visit, Clinton met with political leaders from the government and opposition and exchanged views with prominent entrepreneurs. He reiterated his support for the "three no's" and "one-China" policies, and spelled out once again America's position and interests in the triangular relationship between the United States, China, and Taiwan.
Speaking of cross-strait relations, Clinton said that this part of the world is unique because of its intense political tension and close economic cooperation. He said that as long as economic cooperation is increased and political disagreements are decreased, we have little to worry about.
During his visit, Clinton sounded a strong note of optimism about the Taiwan Strait. But he also reiterated America's position that the one-China policy protects Taiwan and that if Taiwan chooses the path of independence, China will inevitably resort to force, even if it means falling out with the US. Of this, said Clinton, there is no doubt whatsoever.
Taiwan was the first stop of Clinton's tour of Asia to promote his autobiography My Life. During his stay in Taiwan, Clinton met twice with President Chen Shui-bian, exchanged views with KMT chairman Lien Chan, had dinner with a group of Taiwanese businesspeople, delivered a public speech, and attended a book-signing event to promote his autobiography. Every event in his non-stop schedule was big news in the Taiwanese media. Personalities from the art world, the business world, and entertainment industries followed Clinton like a movie star and stood in line to have their copies of his autobiography signed by him.
During his two-day visit, Clinton and President Chen met twice and discussed China's Anti-Separation Law and Taiwanese-American relations. Although the Office of the President did not reveal the specific content of their conversations, Clinton made it clear that he disagrees with the Taiwan government about a number of issues concerning cross-strait relations and economics.
During the China Times' interview, Clinton said that the one-China policy is in Taiwan's interest because it lessens the possibility that China will attack or exert pressure on Taiwan. According to Clinton, Taiwan should not be nervous about this policy; recent actions such as the US-Japanese joint declaration on security, or President Bush's opposition to the European Union's lifting its embargo on arms sales to China, were guarantees of Taiwan's security. As long as China-Taiwan exchanges are stepped up and outside interference recedes, the two sides will be on the path to settling their differences. Clinton also said that what China and Taiwan will need is for the US, the UN, or other countries to play the role of mediator during the final negotiations.
It is widely thought that because of its rapid economic development, China has the upper hand and time is not on Taiwan's side. That's why there is a sense of urgency in cross-strait negotiations. Clinton said, however, that as long as Taiwan does not provoke the mainland, it can keep control of the situation.
Clinton expressed his approval of the direct-link charter flights that were launched at the beginning of the year. He also praised the spirit of cooperation that marked the meeting between President Chen and People First Party chairman James Soong at the end of February. Clinton noted that the Taiwanese people elected Chen Shui-bian by a narrow majority and also gave the opposition parties a narrow majority in the legislature last year. He said, "What they are saying is that we put you in the same boat. We want you to row and move forward and you have to compromise."
When he was president, Clinton's "three no's" policy (no US support for Taiwan's independence, no support for "one China and one Taiwan" or "two Chinas," and no support for Taiwan joining international organizations that require statehood for membership) seriously tilted the balance in relations between the US, China, and Taiwan in China's favor. But when in 1996 Taiwan held its first direct presidential election, he also sent two aircraft carriers near the Taiwan Strait to help preserve peace in the region.
Bill Clinton visited Taiwan after the meeting between President Chen and James Soong and before this year's February 28 Commemoration, and repeatedly reiterated his support for the one-China policy. Although his visit was not welcomed by all political parties and factions in Taiwan, it bears repeating that the views he expressed represent the United States' pragmatic approach to cross-strait relations.
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